Five high-performance research centers in Panama have formed a new 'Think Tank Network'. This initiative, launched by the National Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (Senacyt) and the National System of Research (SNI), is a strategic step to consolidate a national community dedicated to sharing data and technical capabilities. The network's goal is to promote evidence-based policy-making.
The network consists of five key institutions: the National Center for Competitiveness (CNC), the Panama Educational Research Center (Ciedu AIP), the International Center for Political and Social Studies (Cieps AIP), the Latin American Center for Innovation in Public Policies (CLIPP), and the Institute for Scientific Research and High Technology Services of Panama (Indicasat AIP).
These centers will work in critical areas such as innovation, sustainable productive development, the circular economy, educational equity, and the application of biotechnology to advance the bioeconomy. These areas are directly aligned with the Government's Strategic Plan (PEG), the National Strategic Plan for Science, Technology and Innovation (Pencyt), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
During the launch event, certificates of recognition were presented to the participating centers, and a technical working session was held. The meeting established the operational foundations and a roadmap to guide the implementation of the Think Tank Network, ensuring the management of talent and knowledge to improve Panama's institutional environment.
María Heller, Director of Innovation in Learning for Science and Technology at Senacyt, highlighted that the effort seeks to consolidate well-founded proposals to improve decision-making in the country.
